New Delhi, Jan 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a virtual rally in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh on January 31 amid continuing ban on big poll rallies due to Covid-19 third wave. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who campaigned in western Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, informed about it. “Modi ji is going to address the people of Uttar Pradesh virtually on January 31. All of you must join the virtual rally,” Shah said. The virtual rally would cover five districts of western Uttar Pradesh, Shamli, Muzzafarnagar, Baghpat, Saharanpur, and Gautambuddh Nagar, covering 21 assembly constituencies, sources said.
Arrangements are also being made at at least 100 locations in the 21 assembly constituencies for holding small gatherings for voters to listen to the Prime Minister’s rally. On January 22, the restriction on rallies in the poll-bound states was increased up to January 31, on account of the continuing surge in Covid-19 cases.
The Election Commission of India has granted relaxation for the political parties to the hold indoor meetings of a maximum of 300 persons or 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall or the prescribed limit set by SDMA. The Commission has also allowed video vans for publicity with usual Covid restrictions at designated open spaces with a maximum of 500 viewers or 50 per cent of the capacity or the limit set by SDMA, whichever number is lesser. The poll panel has said political parties and contesting candidates shall ensure the compliance of Covid- appropriate behaviour and guidelines and Model Code of Conduct at all occasions during the activities connected with elections. The elections in Uttar Pradesh will take place on February 10, 14 , 20, 23, 27, March 3 and 7.
